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Making defects ‘sing’ in 3D-printed metal parts

A team led by Penn State researchers has developed a method to detect, measure and localize porosity defects inside 3D-printed metal parts using acoustic sensors built into the printing platform. This technique aims to improve efficiency, quality control and reliability of 3D-printed metal parts.

“Petrificus totalus!” — 3D-printed hydrogel switches from kPa-Soft to GPa-hard on command

Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a novel 3D-printed hydrogel that can easily switch its Young's modulus from kPa to GPa through on-demand crystallization. The hydrogel exhibits a hardness of 86.5 Shore D and a Young's modulus of 1.2 GPa, surpassing current 3D-printed hydrogels.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 15, 2025

From microelectronics to microfluidics: how 3D printing is shaping the future of tiny devices

The article discusses how 3D printing technology is transforming the production of microelectronic and microfluidic devices, enabling complex structures with unparalleled precision. The study highlights the potential of 3D printing in various applications, including sensors, actuators, and flexible electronics.

Custom 3D printing colors for pennies

A new study in Advanced Manufacturing shows how to make recycled plastic pretty again with custom colors using a free and open source software package called SpecOptiBlend. This breakthrough paves the way for economic distributed recycling of waste plastic into low-cost 3D printed products.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeCase study·DateApr 8, 2025

Printed skin to replace animal testing

Researchers from TU Graz and Vellore Institute of Technology have developed a 3D-printed skin imitation with living cells to test nanoparticles from cosmetics. The skin imitation mimics human skin's three-layer tissue structure and biomechanics, made possible by hydrogel formulations printed together with living cells.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalSTAR Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

HKUST researchers set to transform food production with AI-enhanced 3D food printing solution

Researchers at HKUST have developed an AI-assisted 3D food printing solution that combines printing with infrared cooking to produce safer and more visually appealing food. The system uses graphene heaters to precisely control the cooking process, ensuring shape retention and quality.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

New light-induced polymer material formation method to improve 3D printing resolution

Researchers have developed a new photopolymerisation reaction controlled by two different colours of light, enabling the creation of solid polymeric materials with resolutions below millimetres. This method allows for precise spatiotemporal control and could improve the performance of 3D printing processes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

New machine learning framework enhances precision and efficiency in metal 3D printing, advancing sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at University of Toronto develop a new framework to optimize laser Directed Energy Deposition (AIDED) for higher quality and more reliable metal parts. The AIDED framework uses machine learning to predict optimal process parameters and enhance the accuracy and robustness of finished products.

Elementary-particle detectors, 3D printed

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a fully additive-manufactured plastic scintillator detector for elementary particles, showcasing a significant step towards time- and cost-effective ways to build large-scale particle detectors. The detector's three-dimensional particle tracks enable more accurate neutrino tracking and analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateMar 11, 2025

Muscles from the printer

Scientists at Empa have developed a method to produce complex soft actuators using 3D printing, overcoming challenges of elasticity, softness, and material properties. The actuators, made from silicone-based materials, can be used in various applications, including robotics, cars, and potentially even medical devices.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025

Nature-inspired 3D-printing method shoots up faster than bamboo

Researchers at Beckman Institute created a new 3D printing process called 'growth printing' that mimics the outward expansion of tree trunks to print polymer parts quickly and efficiently. The process, called FROMP, uses minimal energy to harden resin into its solid form, resulting in faster and more cost-effective production of polymers.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of super-invar alloy fabricated by wire-arc additive manufacturing

The study reveals the association between microstructure and G/R during WAAM, resulting in a columnar cellular micro-structure and an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 0.265×10^−6 K^−1 from 20℃ to 100℃. The research offers insights into super-invar alloy components manufactured by WAAM, paving the way for better a...

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2025

AI reveals new way to strengthen titanium alloys and speed up manufacturing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have discovered a new way to strengthen titanium alloys using AI, enabling faster production and improved mechanical properties. The breakthrough has implications for industries such as shipbuilding, aviation, and medical devices.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2025

SwRI, U-Michigan engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions

Researchers at SwRI and U-M have created a new methane flare burner using additive manufacturing and machine learning that eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner's design, with a complex nozzle base and impeller, allows for efficient combustion even in challenging crosswind conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

Coffee grounds and Reishi mushroom spores can be 3D printed into a compostable alternative to plastics

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed a novel method for 3D printing objects using a mixture of coffee grounds, brown rice flour, and Reishi mushroom spores. The resulting material is compostable, lightweight, and strong, with a density similar to that of polystyrene foam.

SourceUniversity of Washington·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateFeb 18, 2025

Encoding many properties in one material via 3D printing

Researchers have developed a 3D printing technique to create liquid crystal elastomers with controllable alignment, leading to new possibilities for shape-morphing materials. By tuning nozzle design, print speed, and temperature, they achieved uniform molecular-scale alignment, translating to prescribed mechanical behavior.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2025

3D printing shines in overcoming headlight lens manufacturing challenges

Researchers used 3D printing to make headlight lenses, achieving exceptional precision and surface quality while reducing costs and production speeds. The study compared 3D printing with traditional methods like CNC machining and reverse engineering, finding that 3D printing outperformed them in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 13, 2025

Innovative 3D printed scaffolds offer new hope for bone healing

Researchers developed novel 3D printed PLA-CaP scaffolds that support angiogenesis, reducing bone scarring and improving healing outcomes. In vitro tests showed stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor secretion and maintained calcium ion release, while in vivo testing demonstrated good integration and blood vessel infiltration.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalBiomaterials Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

Researchers have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCarbon Capture Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

New bioprinting technique creates functional tissue 10x faster

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses spheroids to create complex tissue, producing tissue 10-times faster and with high cell density. The technique enables the rapid fabrication of functional tissues and organs, opening new opportunities for regenerative medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

New 3D printing approach means better biomedical, energy, robotics devices

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new 3D printing technique that allows for the creation of shape-changing materials with muscle-like properties. These materials can crawl, fold, and snap directly after printing, enabling their use in implantable medical devices, soft robotics, and energy storage applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2024

Shape-shifting antenna poised to transform communications

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have created a shape-shifting antenna that can change its shape based on temperature, transforming communications capabilities. The technology has transformative potential in military, scientific and commercial applications, enabling dynamic RF band adaptability.

SourceJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

3D-printing advance mitigates three defects simultaneously for failure-free metal parts

Researchers at UW–Madison developed an approach to simultaneously mitigate three types of defects – pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters – in metal parts produced using laser powder bed fusion. This breakthrough enables the production of high-quality parts with increased manufacturing productivity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024